Written by Kianna Best on Nov 20, 2023. Posted in Production News

Hunger Games prequel set dystopian Panem in Poland and Germany

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes resurrected the much loved franchise once again on 17 November. With a box office debut of USD 44 million domestically and USD 54.5 million in 87 international markets. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film shot in Poland and Germany from July to November of last year.

In July of last year, production travelled to Poland and Germany in November. With the help of Berlin-based production designer Uli Hanisch, Lawrence was able to find the places needed for the narrative, as well as returning to a past Mockingjay setting. With a major focus on real life set constructions, production transformed Britzer Garten, a park in Berlin into an old zoo, along with creating other notable buildings throughout the film. Other Berlin based locations included Altes museum Bärensaal, Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig, the Olympic Stadium and Tieranatomisches Theater.

Set 64 years prior to the infamous appearance of Katniss Everdeen, the recently released prequel sees a post war Panem and the introduction of the titular competition. With a whole new cast for fans to become acquainted with, the film stars Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Hunter Schafer and many more. The prequel, which topped the US box office with its debut, has yet to reach the performance of its predecessors, which across their four year rain each generated at least USD 100 million each.

Images courtesy of Murray Close